We recently had the chance to connect with Annie Choi and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Annie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I am extremely fortunate to have built long-lasting friendships with several regulars through my shop. I’ve forged a lovely friendship with a couple named Tim and Denice, and they recently invited me along to a weekend getaway to the dark sky city of Anza-Borrego. It was a joy-filled weekend of looking at stars in the clear, light pollution-less skies, reading, swimming, hot tubbing, reading, napping, and of course, getting to know my friends on a deeper level. So much fun and full of joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Annie Choi, and I am the founder of Found Coffee in the awesome neighborhood of Eagle Rock. I’ve always wanted to open a coffee shop in Los Angeles—a place where stories converge: from baristas and customers, to the spirit of the neighborhood, to the journey of the coffee itself. In a city that can often feel lonely, community is essential. . I have a prior background in post production, having worked on shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Project Runway: All Stars.
As General Manager of Demitasse Santa Monica, I learned the ins and outs of running a specialty coffee shop, rising from Intern to Manager in just four months. With that foundation, I launched Found Coffee in February 2015. Found was built to foster community—and it has.
Entrepreneurship runs in my family. My parents successfully ran an acupuncture clinic for 26 years, and my father owned several small businesses before that. Their drive and resilience inspired my own path.
My mission is to support and celebrate the amazing humans behind small businesses, especially women of color and marginalized communities. I am also a speaker and advocate for entrepreneurship, small business operations, and social impact. I love sharing my story and insights with diverse audiences and inspiring others to pursue their dreams and passions.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
My friends and community wouldn’t believe it now, but I was quiet, shy, introverted as a child. I shrunk myself to gain the approval of “others” — whomever that may be. After many years of healing and working on myself, I am unapologetically myself. I am not submissive, demure, or quiet. I love laughing and smiling and chasing joy. I once received a 1-star Yelp review saying that the owner shouldn’t laugh so loud! What a miserable existence to deny joy. I love getting to know strangers. I am a proud Korean American small business owner. I love my life and embrace it wholeheartedly and fully.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The first ten months of Found Coffee were the hardest. I was hospitalized for overworking, and I was anxious beyond belief. That was a difficult time.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Rest. Kindness. Generosity. Community.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I don’t have many regrets in life due to the fact that I have approached my life with a whole heart and open eyes. However, if I don’t take care of my mother at her end of life like I did my father, if I don’t find love, if I don’t publish my book (a long time coming), if I don’t start another business, if I don’t love on my community/family/chosen family/friends…this is what I would regret if not achieved.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @foundcoffeela
- Linkedin: https://www.yelp.com/biz/found-coffee-los-angeles-5
Image Credits
Erin Hoffstetter
Wonho Frank Lee
RJ Guillermo
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